Support

Abstract

A skid is provided for supporting a drawn implement, such as a mower. The skid includes a convex ground-engaging disc mounted to a support for rotation about a first axis. The support is adapted to be attached to the implement for rotation about a second axis. The first and second axes are co-planar and form an acute angle.

It is claimed that: 
     
       1. A support for an implement comprising a convex disc, bracket means comprising mounting means for mounting said convex disc to said bracket means for rotation with respect to said bracket means about a first axis transverse to said disc and supporting means for attaching said bracket means to said implement, wherein said supporting means allows said bracket means to rotate with respect to said implement about a second axis. 
     
     
       2. The support of claim 1 wherein said convex disc is spherical, and the center thereof lies on said first axis. 
     
     
       3. The support of claim 1 or 2 wherein said first and second axes are co-planar, and are non-parallel. 
     
     
       4. The support of claim 3 wherein said first axis is vertical when said implement is in an operating position, and said second axis is tilted toward a direction in which said implement moves. 
     
     
       5. The support of claim 4 wherein said convex disc has a first convex ground-engaging portion and a second convex portion attached to said mounting means, the centers of curvature of said first and second convex portions being on said first axis. 
     
     
       6. The support of claim 5 wherein said means for supporting is adapted to be attached to an arm which extends rearwardly from said implement. 
     
     
       7. In a drawn implement, of the type which is connected to a tractor by a three-point hitch, and having a castering means for mounting a castering rear wheel, the improvement comprising a convex disc for engaging the ground, bracket means mounting said convex disc for rotation about a first axis transverse to said disc and for cooperating with said castering means for allowing said bracket means to rotate about a second axis. 
     
     
       8. The implement of claim 7 wherein said convex disc is spherical and the center of curvature of said disc lies on said first axis. 
     
     
       9. The implement of claim 8 wherein said first and second axes are co-planar and non-parallel. 
     
     
       10. The implement of claim 9 wherein said second axis is vertical when said implement is in an operational position, and said first axis is tilted toward said hitch.